With Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology expanding globally, Australia is set to become the next market to benefit from it. Recently, a video surfaced on social media showing a Tesla successfully enabling FSD technology on Australian roads, completing driving tasks smoothly. This has sparked widespread speculation that FSD will soon be officially launched in Australia.
Testing and Video Exposure of FSD Technology
Australian journalist Ben McKimm reported that a recent video showed a Tesla, after activating the FSD system, successfully navigating complex traffic situations, including lane changes and roundabout driving. Another video filmed by journalist Danielle Collin also demonstrated the Tesla’s performance in real road environments, with the car automatically recognizing and responding to stop signs and traffic signals. The exposure of these two videos has further increased expectations for the official launch of FSD technology in Australia.
Release Date and First Supported Models
According to the latest news, Tesla plans to officially release the FSD (Supervised) feature on August 29, with the first version of the software being Version 13. The initial batch of models that will support this technology includes Tesla vehicles equipped with hardware version 4 (HW4). This release marks the first time FSD technology will be available in right-hand-drive (RHD) countries, representing a significant step in Tesla’s global market expansion.
Australia’s Regulatory Environment and Smooth Promotion of FSD
Australia's regulatory environment has been supportive of the FSD technology's rollout. Tesla previously released a video showing a Tesla Model 3 successfully completing an autonomous driving task in Melbourne, proving the potential of FSD technology in Australia. Additionally, a video from Sydney suggests that Australia is on the verge of becoming one of the first right-hand-drive countries to adopt FSD technology.
Tesla’s Australian website highlights that the FSD (Supervised) system relies on 360-degree camera technology, enabling comprehensive environmental perception. Although the system still requires supervision from the human driver, it can already handle complex urban road environments, including lane changes, intersections, and traffic signals.
Response from Tesla Australia’s Director
In an interview, Tesla Australia Director Thom Drew stated that the regulatory environment in Australia has not posed significant barriers to the release of FSD technology, and progress has been smooth. He also mentioned that Tesla is actively pushing for the launch of FSD features, although there is no clear timeline yet.
Potential Impact of FSD Technology on Australian Drivers
The introduction of FSD technology is poised to provide Australian drivers with a more convenient and safer driving experience. As autonomous driving technology continues to evolve, drivers could experience reduced stress during their daily commutes and a potential decrease in traffic accident risks. Furthermore, the widespread implementation of FSD technology might encourage the Australian government to revisit and update traffic laws and regulations to accommodate autonomous driving, ensuring both road safety and the smooth functioning of these systems.
Future Outlook
The upcoming release of FSD technology marks an important milestone in Tesla’s further expansion in the Australian market. This news undoubtedly brings new energy to the Australian market. While the widespread adoption of autonomous driving technology still faces technical and regulatory challenges, the launch of FSD will be a key step in Tesla’s global expansion. Industry experts and consumers alike are looking forward to seeing how FSD technology performs on Australian roads.
As technology continues to advance and regulatory policies are gradually refined, FSD technology could potentially bring about a major transformation in the future of transportation. Stay tuned for more updates on Tesla’s developments in Australia.